Correction to the Momiji Process
Cold weather has finally made its way to Japan, but it has been a slow change. Japanese maple and ginko trees have been slow changing colors. Last year, the process was just as slow though. The previous prediction that maple leaves would be ready for viewing unfortunately was incorrect. Maple leaves are still green in many areas around the Kansai region. Some are red. Some are yellow. Finding really bright red maple leaves is getting easier as winter approaches, but they are few and far...
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Preparing for Momiji
Every year around the beginning of autumn, just before the leaves begin changing their colors, you begin to hear the word, momiji, batted about in conversation. Momiji itself means Japanese maple. But in conversation when someone uses momiji suru or momiji miru they mean viewing Japanese maple and other autumn tree leaf colors. Right now is that time! As temperatures begin to fall, people are beginning to talk about momiji viewing. It will continue to be the hot topic here in Japan until...
Read MorePoor Momiji Reports
Talked with many momiji viewers who have already been to temples, shrines and parks to see the changing of the autumn leaves. Many seemed disappointed with what they saw. Most complained that only a few trees had changed colors so far. If you have not been to see momiji yet, fear not. You are probably a lot better off not having been somewhere yet. Look for trees to be more colorful this coming weekend. Trees out in open sunlight will have already begun changing if not already begun dropping...
Read MoreFushimi Inari Momiji Report
The maples leaves in the Kansai region are beginning to change colors. Most of the trees that are changing, however, are those in direct sunlight. Trees set back in the forests are still vibrant green and have not begun changing their colors. Expect trees in the Kyoto area to be bright and colorful around the last week of November, a little earlier than the official momiji report predicted a few weeks ago. The photos below are from Fushimi Inari Shrine. Japanese M
Read MoreLess Traveled Momiji Places in Kyoto
The weather is beginning to cool in the Kansai area of Japan. You know what that means, right? Momiji~! The talk around town has already begun shifting from how hot the weather is to where people are planning to go see Japanese maple leaves in their bright red, orange, yellow and green colors. If you are looking for more information on some of the more popular places to visit, here is a previous article written on the topic. Momiji Viewing Areas in Kansai For less popular places, ones that only...
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